This itinerary gives a nice overview of the center of France: the Verdun WWI battlefields, the wine and heritage of Burgundy, and ending in the Loire Valley with its gardens, castles and sweet life.
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made …
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November.
They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the arrangements they made worked out just as represented.
The rental car process was easy (we can't blame them for Paris traffic), and the places they arranged for us to stay as well as the activities arranged were outstanding.
We feel we really got a sense of the beauty of France and met some very nice people along the way. The tour book was terrific and very helpful. They made the trip almost effortless and truly enjoyable. Thank you Laura and Emile for making this a memorable vacation. We wish you did "Italy Just for You" too!
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunIn a quiet street just behind the Marne canal with all bars & restaurants
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunA small hotel owned by a lovely couple in Verdun
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunWith simple & comfortable rooms
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunYou are perfectly located to explore the WWI Memorials
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneA beautiful mansion in the Burgundy vineyard
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneWith spacious and comfortable rooms with a view over the park
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneEnjoy meeting with your very friendly hosts
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and Beaune...and having breakfast outside on a sunny day
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireStay in a fairytale castle in the Loire Valley
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loiresettle in a very spacious room, overlooking the park
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireRelax in one of the guests' reading rooms
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loireif you are not too scared, take the underground passages to the swimming pool !
Step by step
This trip starts in or around Paris. We will organize the car pick up for your best convenience. After about 2hr30 drive from Paris CDG Airport, you will arrive in the Verdun region.
The Verdun Region - World War I
Stay for 3 nights in a comfortable Boutique-Hotel owned by a lovely couple, in the very center of the town of Verdun, and within walking distance to the Cathedral, bars, shops and restaurants.
You will spend a morning with a passionate private guide who will take you to the main war sites around Verdun. The program will be tailor-made to your wishes between the Argonne War area (including the Romagne Sous Montfaucon US Cemetery) and the Verdun war sites (such as the Douaumont Ossuary or Verdun Memorial). This is the best way to learn more and better understand this part of history.
In the Verdun region, you will also taste delicious local products, relax in nice bars by the Meuse canal and why not even taste some Côte de Meuse wine.
Your next step is Burgundy, about a 3hr30 drive from Verdun - we will plan for you to learn about Joan of Arc on the way.
Burgundy Wines & Gastronomy
You will reside for 3 nights in a beautiful mansion, surrounded by a vast park in the Côtes de Nuits vineyards. One night, you will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your hosts.
We will provide you with all the detailed itineraries you need to discover the authentic and charming region of Burgundy. This region is much more than its vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region.
To discover the Burgundy vineyard trails, we plan for you to spend an afternoon on a bike to discover Burgundy wines. You will make several stops on the way to taste wine. Santé!
Dijon has kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a very lively modern city and full of charm. Taste some local cheeses, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune, from cellars to ramparts.
The Loire Valley Sweet Life
On Day 7, drive 3hr30 to the Loire Valley. This region and its people will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its castles and gardens, and its famous gastronomy and wines.
Stay for 3 nights in a charming and romantic Renaissance castle in the heart of the Loire region. The perfect place to be introduced to the "Castle Country," enjoying the warm welcome of the owners themselves.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned for a special wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines in a privately owned 16th century castle, accompanied by some local specialties.
We will craft your days for you to enjoy a bit of everything the Loire Valley has to offer: its famous castles to some hidden beauties, lovely towns and farmers markets, quiet strolls in unique gardens...
After this, you may want to come back and spend more time in France !
Activities included
Private Guide on the WWI Sites near Verdun
Spend a day with a private guide specialized in World War I history in Argonne & Verdun area. We will be happy to tailor make your program if you wish.
Burgundy Wine & Bike Tour
Spend an afternoon with a guide who will take you wine tasting in Côte de Beaune famous vineyards...and wineries of course.
A Wine Tasting in a castle in the Loire
Visit a family-owned 16th century castle and winery surrounded by over 100 acres of vineyards and forests.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
My wife and I traveled in Provence and Dordogne in early April 2018. Whie the weather was mostly on the rainy/windy side, the trip was so well planned and organized, with so much to see, that we did not pay much attention to the weather. All B&Bs were excellent in terms of accommodation, food (sic!) and very welcoming. All hosts were bi-lingual and …
My wife and I traveled in Provence and Dordogne in early April 2018. Whie the weather was mostly on the rainy/windy side, the trip was so well planned and organized, with so much to see, that we did not pay much attention to the weather.
All B&Bs were excellent in terms of accommodation, food (sic!) and very welcoming.
All hosts were bi-lingual and provided lots of advice about the area.
Car rental was a breeze, both pick-up and return.
And we would not miss any of the pre-booked tours, like private tour in Aix en Provence, Gourmet tour in Avignon or a fun truffle hunt.
We met so many good people on this trip. Thank you Emilie!
Naomi
You may already know from other reviews that "France Just for You" will create an itinerary based on your interests and time frame, booking attractions and lodgings, arranging a car, and providing a detailed guide book with historical and cultural information, and suggestions for things to see and do with your unscheduled time. The whole service is …
You may already know from other reviews that "France Just for You" will create an itinerary based on your interests and time frame, booking attractions and lodgings, arranging a car, and providing a detailed guide book with historical and cultural information, and suggestions for things to see and do with your unscheduled time. The whole service is magnificent. One of the valuable things "France Just for You" did for us last time was to point out that we could not see all of France in 17 days, so we did a few regions well, and went back this year to spend 12 more days in different areas. We'll be back! If only they could cover Italy and Spain!
Shanna
Emilie's services are amazing!! I contacted her after my one year anniversary trip planning fell through with another agency. She quickly picked up the reins from where they left off, listened to our budget requests and organized an absolutely fantastic trip for us! From Paris to Provence to the French Riviera, everywhere we stayed was wonderful …
Emilie's services are amazing!! I contacted her after my one year anniversary trip planning fell through with another agency. She quickly picked up the reins from where they left off, listened to our budget requests and organized an absolutely fantastic trip for us! From Paris to Provence to the French Riviera, everywhere we stayed was wonderful and in the perfect location. The activities were ones we will remember for the rest of our lives and we would have never thought to do them ourselves...learning how to play pentanque was a blast and making our own perfume was really interesting and fun! We told her exactly the type of trip we were looking for and she really delivered - we couldn't have done this without her! Our trip had some structure but we were also free to explore as we wanted. I even got to stay at a horse farm B&B in the french countryside bc I told her I love horses. This is the type of service you will get with Emilie. Also, the personalized guide book she provides is incredible - we used it throughout the duration of our trip and it was super informative beforehand as well. All of our hosts knew Emilie and spoke very highly of her too. We didn't have any issues with all of the reservations she made which was great. You absolutely can't go wrong working with Emilie; each trip is tailored to your individual likings and she knows all of the best spots. Thank you, Emilie, for planning the perfect 1 year wedding anniversary for us!! Highly Recommend France Just For You!
